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Discover the Galapagos Islands on board the finest boutique cruise ship available. The 48 passenger Eclipse allows the more discerning traveler to experience one of the world’s greatest natural treasures in the comfort of an elegant and unique expedition vessel

Ever since her arrival in Ecuador, the Eclipse has left an impression on visitors as one of the finest cruise ships in the Galapagos Islands, offering unparalleled levels of comfort and service. She was converted specifically for upscale cruising in the islands, and was designed to meet the exacting demands of luxury travel.

A cruise aboard the Eclipse combines luxurious comforts and delicious meals with the most talented naturalist guides offering a range of activities designed to bring you into intimate contact with the unique creatures and ecosystems of the Galapagos. Spend more time ashore hiking among nesting frigate birds or albatross, more time snorkeling with sea lions, or perhaps just relaxing on a crescent beach.

The Eclipse Short 6 day/5 night cruise itinerary details are listed below. There are also 2 unique 8 day/7 night itineraries to choose from which can also be combined to create a 15 day/14 night all encompassing itinerary. Click on the following links to view the alternate itineraries available. Call our Galapagos Cruise experts if you have any questions.

Eclipse Espanola 8 day/7 night

Eclipse Genovesa 8 day/7 night

Eclipse Main Page

Day 1 - SAT - Baltra Airport & North Seymour

Arrive at the airport in Baltra and transfer to the dock for check-in, introductory briefing & safety drill before lunch.

After lunch, head to North Seymour - a perfect introduction to the Galapagos Islands. Fauna abounds and you will soon find yourself surrounded by frigates and blue footed boobies. Keep an eye out for land iguanas and sea lions too!

Accommodations: Eclipse
Included Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 2 - SUN - South Plaza & Santa Fe Island

This morning visit South Plaza Island. Although quite small, it home to a large Opuntia cacti forest, land iguanas and one of the largest sea lion colonies in the central region of the archipelago. An endemic plant, Sesuvium, inhabits this island and is a great climate indicator as its color is a greenish-yellowish during the rainy season and a bright red during the dry season. Keep your eyes out for Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, other kinds of sea birds as well as different types of finches.

Spend the afternoon at Santa Fe was formed by uplifting, rather than by a volcano. Some of the island’s endemic species include the Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos Snake, rice rats, different types of finches, and the Galapagos Mockingbird. The visit includes a hike on a trail past salt bushes where Galapagos hawks as well as the Santa Fe land iguanas tend to roam. Playful sea lions may accompany you during your snorkeling activities.

Accommodations: Eclipse
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - MON - Punta Pitt & Cerro Brujo, San Cristobal

This morning will be spent at Punta Pitt is located on the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island and is a great place to see Nazca boobies and blue footed boobies. You will hike up to a plateau where the view and landscape are so spectacular it is definitely worth the effort. You can also enjoy kayaking, snorkeling and panga rides at Punta Pitt.

Located on the north coast of San Cristobal Island, this eroding tough cone offers a fantastic landscape as well as wonderful swimming, snorkeling and panga ride experiences. Cerro Brujo’s gorgeous beach is also home to many sea lions and it’s also the first coast where Charles Darwin first stepped foot on in the Archipelago! You will also see a beautiful lagoon used by the locals of Baquerizo Moreno Port for salt mining as well as two different species of halophytes (rare plants that grow in soils with a high salt content)

Accommodations: Eclipse
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - TUE - Post Office Bay & Punta Cormorant, Floreana

Floreana is one of the Galapagos most famous, or shall we say, “infamous” of islands due to many strange stories regarding past settlers. There are many wonderful and diverse sites to visit including Post Office Bay and the “Baroness’s Viewing Point”. Marine life also abounds in Floreana’s coastal regions making it a fantastic site for snorkeling. Flamingos also populate the island and may be seen during your visit. The Baroness’s Viewing Point is the perfect place to take in the special scenery that defines Floreana, and a great spot to learn about the mysteries of Floreana’s early settlers.

A great site for bird-watching, Cormorant Point has a large lagoon where everything from Flamingos to Stilts and Pintail Ducks tend to roam. Don’t forget your binoculars! Prior to the excursions, you will also have an opportunity to participate in a magnificent snorkel at Champion Islet.

Accommodations: Eclipse
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - WED - Elizabeth Bay & Punta Moreno, Isabela

Elizabeth Bay is one of the furthest points of the Galapagos that we will visit on our cruise. We will enter a sheltered cove accessible by panga only – a wonderful mangrove ecosystem that is a refuge for sea turtles, rays, blue-footed boobies, penguins, herons and more.

Moreno Point is located just southwest of Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island. Observe and learn about different types of lava and pioneer plants while being surrounded by some of the most incredible scenery that Galapagos has to offer. You will also have an opportunity for a panga ride along the striking rocky shores. In the tide pools green sea turtles or white-tip.

Accommodations: Eclipse
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - THR - Charles Darwin Station, Return to Baltra

Breakfast & disembark. Transfer from yacht to Puerto Ayora via panga. Then transfer to Charles Darwin Research Station accompanied by a guide. After a quick yet informative visit to the CDRS, escorted transfer to Baltra airport for departure back to the mainland.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast


GALAPAGOS CRUISE INCLUSIVE PACKAGE: For your convenience we offer an Inclusive Package with three nights hotel accommodations in Quito, all airport/hotel transfers, Galapagos flights, Galapagos National Park entrance fees and taxes, Galapagos migration card and your Galapagos Coral cruise. View details of our Galapagos Cruise Inclusive Package.

Travelers not interested in our inclusive package must purchase Galapagos flights in conjunction with their Galapagos Cruise.

GALAPAGOS CRUISE CUSTOM PACKAGE: If you are booking a cruise only program our experts can assist with hotels, transfers, flights and tours. Call AdventureSmith Explorations about customizing your tour or the possibilities of combining this trip with our Mainland Ecuador and Peru: Machu Picchu extensions. We are Galapagos cruise and Ecuador travel experts and our staff can help you customize the perfect Galapagos Cruise or Ecuador Tour Package.

Notes on Itinerary: Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itinerary may be altered due to weather, wildlife, National Park regulation, or at the captains discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of Galapagos cruising unique.

Single Travelers: There are two "single" cabins aboard the Eclipse. If the single cabins are not available, travelers can book a double room at 1.5X the double rate.

Family Travelers: Children under 12 receive a discount. Families traveling with children under 12 can be accommodated in selected cabins. These cabins have a sofa that can be converted into a comfortable bed. Minimum child age is 10 years old.

Included aboard the Eclipse: Cruises include double accommodation in cabins with air conditioning, private facilities, all meals, welcome and farewell cocktail, water, 24 hour coffee station, two daily visits to Galapagos Islands with naturalist guide, snorkeling opportunities, activities on board, briefings, lectures, airport and port assistance, transfers to port and dinghy ride to ship.

Not Included aboard the Eclipse: Fuel Surcharge $260 USD per person; International airfare; Airfare from mainland Ecuador; Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee (US $100 per adult, $50 for children under 12 years old. This can be paid directly by passengers [cash only] or it is included in our INCLUSIVE PACKAGE TOURS), Galapagos National Institute Migration Control Card (US $10 per person; departure tax ($40.80), Gratuities for guides, crew, drivers or local staff; alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages; other personal expenses; medical services or insurance of any kind.

Wet suit rental available for US $25 per person per each 3-4 night cruise; Internet available $15 per hour or fraction.

Arrival and Departure: Most flights to the Galapagos will depart Quito or Guayaquil between 7:00am-9:00am on day 1 and return between 2:00pm-5:00pm on the final day. We highly recommend travelers arrive Ecuador 2 days prior to their Galapagos Cruise.

Payment and Cancellation Policy Reservations made 61 days or more prior to departure: A deposit of US $400 per person is required to confirm the booking. The final balance is required 60 days prior to departure. If the payment is not received on time, the space(s) will be automatically released. Reservations made 60 days or less prior to departure: A full non-refundable payment is required to confirm the booking. Cancellations made 120 to 61 days prior to departure: All deposits are non-refundable. Cancellations made 60 days or less prior to departure: Full payment will be applied as the cancellation penalty. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Accommodations Aboard: The Eclipse can accommodate 48 guests. The Eclipse offers comfortable accommodations. Life aboard a small boat requires some physical agility and a flexible and social nature. Accommodations are in double cabins, each with toilet and shower. The crew is comprised of the captain, multilingual naturalist guides, cook, barman/waiter, mechanic and two to four sailors. All meals are prepared and served by the crew on board. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on board. Yacht descriptions, deck plans Eclipse

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in pangas (dinghies). Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours round trip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. There are numerous opportunities to swim and snorkel.

Snorkeling: The underwater experience is an integral part of any Galapagos cruise. We encourage all travelers to try snorkeling. Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, floating vest and net bag) are available to rent for the duration of the cruise. Shortie wet suits are also available for rent and are recommended from June to December.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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